Portable exercise device

ABSTRACT

A portable exercise device, a method of making the device, and a method of exercising using the device are disclosed. The device has a generally rectangular, box-like main body in two portions, hinged together for opening and closing and having a storage area within. Recessed areas operable for attaching suitably equipped resistance tubing are disposed in an array that enables a variety of exercises.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of exercise equipment. In particular, the present invention relates to a portable exercise device using tubular stretch bands and other exercise accessories.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While individuals know that they should exercise, the number of overweight individuals continues to grow at an alarming rate. Two factors are blocking out the time to go to a gym when not traveling and the inconvenience of working out when traveling.

Currently, a large variety of exercise equipment is available. This equipment ranges from simple steps, mats and free weights, to large and complex machinery that may be computer controlled, such as treadmills, rowing and stepping machines. Most individuals are limited in the number and type of exercise devices they may own, generally as a result of the cost of such equipment and the space necessary to store and use the equipment. Even gyms must be conscious of the space required by each piece of equipment or the number of devices which the gym may provide to its users may be unduly limiting. Thus, there is a need for an exercise apparatus which may be conveniently stored and which is affordable.

Individuals commonly employ an exercise regimen where they work out at home or the gym one or more times per week. These individuals generally find it desirable to maintain their regimen when traveling, such as when on a business trip or vacation. Further, some individuals do not wish to work out in a gym on all occasions or ever, but prefer to work out at home or work. For these reasons, it is desirable to provide exercise equipment which is portable and easy to store, especially in the overhead bin of an airplane.

In addition to the foregoing, it is important to note that most individuals wish to engage in multiple exercises. For example, large numbers of individuals enjoy step exercises. These exercises involve stepping on and off a raised platform. These exercises are known for their cardiovascular benefits and work-out of the legs. In addition, the same individuals may wish to engage in strength and flexibility training involving other portions of the body, such as the arms, chest and shoulders. For example, bicep curls, rowing, overhead presses and similar exercises are all well known for exercising various specific portions of the body.

Present exercise equipment is deficient in addressing the above-stated problems and preferences. For example, large multi-station weight machines provide a user with the opportunity to perform a large number of exercises. On the other hand, these machines are not transportable, and are generally large and expensive. Simple steps are available (including those which may be raised and lowered). These devices are easy to transport and relatively inexpensive, but afford the user very few exercises.

These and other problems exist. Previous attempts to solve these and other problems include the following.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,245,001, issued to Siamperas on Jun. 12, 2001, discloses a multi purpose exercise apparatus for performing a variety of physical exercises which has elastic elements attached to adjustable ring clips altering resistance and exercise. This solution has the following drawbacks:

The top open box structure may cause breakage for heavy weight users.

It is not compact and does not appear easily portable for travel.

It is not designed for multiple bands

It does not support bar exercises

It does not support abs exercises.

It does not appear to be useable as an aerobic device.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,998, issued to Siamperas on Oct. 21, 2003, discloses a multi-purpose exercise apparatus comprising a elongated rectangular box with hinged sectional top and plurality of ring clips on the sides. This solution has similar drawbacks as outlined for U.S. Pat. No. 6,245,001 above, but especially for the drawbacks of not folding up for travel, not being designed for use of multiple bands for increased resistance and not being designed to exercise all body parts with resistance bands.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,558,301, issued to Jackson on May 6, 2003, discloses an exercise apparatus for home or office which has risers supporting platform; configured to alter height of platform and to fit within interior space and resistive bands fixed to mounts in platform. This solution has the following drawbacks:

-   -   It is not compact nor does is fold up for easy storage or make         it portable for stowing in an overhead bin of a commercial         airplane.     -   It has only a single horizontal design for resistance bands to         feed through under base of top of the device which requires dual         use for bands and does not offer single free range of motion.     -   It is not designed for multiple bands for increased resistance.     -   It cannot use resistance bands for all body parts due to design         limitations.

While these patents and other previous methods have attempted to solve the above mentioned problems, none have addressed being dimensioned for a carryon for air travel, as well as being operable for exercising all parts of the body.

As a result of the above-stated problems and desires, there is a need for an exercise device which is both compact and portable. In addition, it is desirable for the device to permit a wide range of exercises.

The foregoing patent and other information reflect the state of the art of which the inventor is aware and are tendered with a view toward discharging the inventor's acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be pertinent to the patentability of the present invention. It is respectfully stipulated, however, that the foregoing patent and other information do not teach or render obvious, singly or when considered in combination, the inventor's claimed invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new portable exercise device that can be carried onto an airplane, stowed in the overhead bin, conveniently used in a motel or hotel room, and operable for exercising all parts of the body.

To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the present invention, provides a portable exercise device with two generally open rectangular bodies that are hingably connected. In the closed position, the two open areas face each other and form a storage area that is operable for housing resistance bands and other exercise accessories. In the open position the two open areas face the floor and the top and bottom surfaces form an exercise platform on which the users stands, squats or reclines. This exercise platform contains a plurality of recess attachment points operable for attaching a plurality of suitably equipped resistance bands. The recess attachment points are positioned to enable exercises utilizing narrow grips, medium grips or wide grips. The present invention may also contain a short rope positioned such that the user's feet or hands can engage the rope as a handle during certain exercises, or while carrying the present invention. The present invention also has a pad disposed on the top and bottom sides for the comfort of the user during exercising. In the closed position the present invention may also be used for step exercises.

The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least two preferred embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood, that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

One advantage of the present invention is to provide a portable exercise device that can stowed in the overhead compartment of commercial airplanes.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a portable exercise device wherein the user works against resistive elements.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a portable exercise device wherein the resistive elements and other exercise accessories may be stored within the main box-like body of the device.

Still a further advantage of the present invention is to provide a portable exercise device wherein the device is hinged to unfold into an exercise platform.

Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide a portable exercise device where a plurality of recess attachment points is provided along the top and bottom of the device, allowing the resistive elements to be attached where the user desires for narrow grip, medium grip and wide grip exercises.

Still yet another advantage of the invention is to provide a portable exercise device wherein a rope may be attached for holding the feet or hands of the user while exercising.

It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide portable exercise device which is of durable and reliable construction.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages and features of the invention are described with reference to exemplary embodiments, which are intended to explain and not to limit the invention, and are illustrated in the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable exercise device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portable exercise device showing it opening for use, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows two different positions of an exercise routine utilizing a narrow grip, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows two different positions of an exercise routine utilizing a medium grip, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows two different positions of an exercise routine utilizing a bar grip, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a user preparing to exercise, in the resting squat position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a user exercising, in the extended squat position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is perspective view showing a bar exercise accessory attached to a portable exercise device with resistance tubing, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing hand grip exercise accessories attached to a portable exercise device with resistance tubing, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a handle grip accessory with four resistance tubes attached, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is partial segment view showing detail of a recessed ring fastener, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a partial segment view showing detail of a band snap attached to a resistance tubing engaging a ring fastener, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an inside plan view of a portable exercise device, showing the storage of exercise accessories, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a partial view of a portable exercise device showing the corresponding hinge elements, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows an exercise bar accessory, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows a band snap about to engage the corresponding ring of an ankle exercise accessory, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows an ankle exercise accessory in the open and closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 shows assembled resistance tubing of varying lengths, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 shows hand exercise accessories, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

With reference now to the drawings, a portable exercise device embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention will be described.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the present invention is shown in its closed state. The present invention is comprised of base 2, which is in two parts, a top part and a bottom part that are hinged together by hinge assembly 16. Grip pad 1 is disposed on the top side as well as the bottom side. Four of recessed attachment point 17 are disposed on the top side as well as bottom side. Rope handle 3 is securely attached through two holes on the left side of the top part.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the present invention is shown in the process of being opened. First recessed attachment point 17 a, second recessed attachment point 17 b, third recessed attachment point 17 c, fourth recessed attachment point 17 d, fifth recessed attachment point 17 e, sixth recessed attachment point 17 f, seventh recessed attachment point 17 g and eighth recessed attachment point 17 h are shown. The positioning of each recessed attachment point is to allow exercising of different muscles using different grips afforded by the unique spacing of the recessed attachment points. First recessed attachment point 17 a and fourth recessed attachment point 17 d or fifth recessed attachment point 17 e and seventh recessed attachment point 17 h may be used for exercising utilizing a wide grip, e.g. using a bar, squats, one-hand curls. Second recessed attachment point 17 b and third recessed attachment point 17 c may be used for exercising utilizing a medium grip, e.g. exercising requiring shoulder-width grip. Seventh recessed attachment point 17 g and sixth recessed attachment point 17 f may be used for exercises utilizing a narrow grip, e.g. hammer curls. First recessed attachment point 17 a and seventh recessed attachment point 17 h may be used for exercising utilizing squats or for abdominal exercises utilizing a rope handle.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an exercise utilizing sixth recessed attachment point 17 f and seventh recessed attachment point 17 g for a narrow grip is shown.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an exercise utilizing third recessed attachment point 17 c and second recessed attachment point 17 b for a medium grip is shown.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an exercise utilizing fifth recessed attachment point 17 e and seventh recessed attachment point 17 h for a wide grip is shown.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an exercise utilizing first recessed attachment point 17 a and seventh recessed attachment point 17 h is shown, in the starting position.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an exercise utilizing first recessed attachment point 17 a and seventh recessed attachment point 17 h is shown, in the extended position.

Referring now to FIG. 8, bar grip 5 is shown attached to resistance tubing that is attached to first recessed attachment point 17 a and second recessed attachment point 17 b.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a pair of hand grip handle 7 is shown attached to resistance tubing that is attached to second recessed attachment point 17 b and third recessed attachment point 17 c.

Referring now to FIG. 10, hand grip handle 7 is shown with four of long resistance tubing 10 to illustrate that resistance tubing can be added to increase the intensity of an exercise.

Referring now to FIG. 11, ring fastener 4 is shown in the unused position within recessed attachment area 17. Ring fastener 4 is preferably made from metal, of sufficient strength and rotate-ably anchored sufficient to withstand the pulling force of six resistance tubes of 15 pounds each. Recessed attachment area 17 may be reinforced with a metal sheath bonded to the plastic of the main body of the portable exercise device.

Referring now to FIG. 12, ring fastener 4 is shown in the used position within recessed attachment area 17, with band snap 8 connecting short resistance tubing 9 to ring fastener 4.

Referring now to FIG. 13, an embodiment of a portable exercise device is shown in the open position to illustrate one configuration for storage of exercise accessories within the portable exercise device. Bar grip female portion 5 a and bar grip male portion 5 b are illustrated. When connected together bar grip female portion 5 a and bar grip male portion 5 b create bar grip 5. Also shown is netted storage bag 14, which is operable for storage of appropriately sized exercise accessories.

Referring now to FIG. 14, first hinge female portion 16 a and second hinge female portion 16 c of hinge assembly 16 are shown. Locking pin 16 b (not shown) slides through the aligned openings of first hinge female portion 16 a and second hinge female portion 16 b to enable the present invention to go from a closed position to an open position and back again..

Referring now to FIG. 15, bar grip 5 is shown assembled, with ring 6 attached at the bottom of each end.

Referring now to FIG. 16, long resistance tubing 10 is shown in the process of connecting to Velcro ankle wrap 11. The other end of long resistance tubing may be connected to one of the recessed attachment areas in order for the exercise to commence.

Referring now to FIG. 17, Velcro ankle wrap 11 is shown in both the wrapped and unwrapped state.

Referring now to FIG. 18, examples of short resistance tubing 9 and long resistance tubing 10 that may be stored within an embodiment of the present invention are shown.

Referring now to FIG. 19, hand grip handles 7 are shown prior to being connected to resistance tubing.

The method of making the present invention is as follows:

-   -   Form the top of the present invention through injection molding         such that         -   two holes are created for insertion of the rope handle, as             shown in FIG. 1         -   recesses are formed as shown in FIG. 1, with holes created             for insertion of a ring clip, as shown in FIG. 4         -   The female portion of hinges are formed as shown in FIG. 14         -   Projections and depressions are formed for securing exercise             accessories as shown in FIG. 13.     -   Form the bottom of the present invention through injection         molding such that:         -   recesses are formed as shown in FIG. 1, with holes created             for insertion of a ring clip, as shown in FIG. 4         -   The female portion of hinges are formed as shown in FIG. 14         -   Projections and depressions are formed for securing exercise             accessories as shown in FIG. 13.     -   Insert ring clips into each recess, as shown in FIG. 11     -   Affix a grip pad on the top of the present invention as shown in         FIG. 1     -   Affix a grip pad on the bottom of the present invention as shown         in FIG. 2     -   Insert and secure a rope handle in the rope handle holes     -   Align the female portion of hinges of the top and bottom of the         present invention and insert the male portion of hinges such         that the top and bottom are hinged together     -   Attach hook and loop fasteners to the inside of the top and         bottom of the present invention     -   Attach a net bag to the inside of the top as shown in FIG. 13     -   Secure exercise accessories to the inside of the top and bottom         of the present invention as shown in FIG. 13     -   Close the present invention by hingably closing the top and         bottom of the present invention

The method of using the present invention is as follows:

-   -   Open the present invention     -   Remove resistance tubing assemblies and the desired exercise         accessories     -   Connect the resistance tubing to the desired exercise         accessories     -   Connect one or more of the band snap portion(s) of the         resistance tubing assemblies to the desired ring clips     -   Stand or sit on the present invention based on the desired         exercise     -   Grasp the exercise accessory and increase and decrease         resistance by increasing and decreasing the length of the         resistance tubing for the desired number of repetitions     -   Repeat the process of connecting, repetitions and disconnecting         using a variety of grips (narrow, medium, and wide) until the         desired sets of muscles have been exercised     -   Disconnect the band snap portion(s) of the resistance tubing         assemblies from the ring clips     -   Disconnect the exercise accessories from the resistance tubing     -   Store the resistance tubing and exercise accessories inside the         present invention     -   Close the present invention

A description of the elements of an embodiment of the present invention follows below. Dimensions shown are for a small version of the present invention. Another embodiment is envisioned to be double the size depicted. 1 Grip pad Made of rubber or similar material, no more than ¼″ thick 2 Base Base body of device, made of a plastic mold with a slight degree outward from the top down on all exterior edges 3 Rope Handle ½ inch nylon rope, used for both securing the feet or hands while using device, or while folded and secured; it will serve as a carrying handle for portability. #4 Ring Fasteners Metal rings that move freely to lift into a upright or down flat position that are inlaid and clipped into place by the use of a hole and peg concept. These are half circle rings that use resistance of their bent shape using a peg system into the base structure to maintain a firm hold while snapped into place. 5 Bar Grip A 2 piece plastic or aluminum bar that has two rings at each end for clipping multiple resistance bands to for mechanical use with base. The two pieces are screwed together by a male tapped end and female tapped end, just like a pool stick. The bar should be 3 feet long when the pieces are tightly screwed together. 6 Rings These are rings that will actually be molded to the far end of the bar grip, either at the base edge or tip of each piece to create 2 external connection points. 7 Hand Grip This is a standard hand grip handle currently used Handle to snap into cables on large training devices in the gyms today. They are made of a v-shaped nylon flat rope with a metal hook at one end and a cylinder plastic tube with foam around it for easy grip and is sized the width of about 5″. 8 Band snap Snaps at each end of the resistance tubing for the purpose of connecting the resistance band to the base device and accessories in the station for use. These snaps are secured by a inserting a hard ball like piece that has a loop on one end into the orifice of the tube that holds it in place by resistance force. 9 Short A shortened version of rubber tubing available in Resistance multiple levels of resistance for increased or Tubing decreased resistance during training use of the device. Approximate length is 12-18 inches 10 Long A longer version of rubber tubing available in Resistance multiple levels of resistance for increased or Tubing decreased resistance during training use of the device. Approximate length is 24-30 inches 11 Velcro Nylon or leather wrap that is secured on the leg by Ankle Velcro, with a built in ring, sown into the material Wrap to connect the resistance band on for leg workouts. 12 Storage Clip Molded in clips on the bottom side of the base unit, designed to hold the 2 pieces of the bar grip. The pieces of the bar grip will snap into place for easy storage. 13 Storage Hook 16 molded in storage hooks on the bottom side of the base designed about 1 inch longer than the 2 sizes of the resistance bands. This slightly longer distance will create just enough tension to hold all bands in a easy stored fashion while not being used. 14 Netted Nylon storage bag with a large zipper on the front Storage Bag of the netting for additional accessories storage. The netted bag will be attached by molded hooks that will create the perimeter of the bag with a very small gap so that once the nylon material is looped through, it will not be easy to pop back out. 15 Velcro Storage Two sets of nylon Velcro straps that will attach to the base and strap over the 2 rubber handles for easy storage. 16 Hinge Evenly staggered thin tube like joints molded onto Assembly the base for the purpose of creating a joint that will be connected by a equally fitted tube like plastic bar that will lock the 2 base pieces together. 17 Recessed Recessed area disposed on the top and bottom of Attachment the present invention that contain ring fasteners for Area attaching band snaps that are connected to resistance tubing. 18 Joint Pin that will be place through the hinges of the 2 Locking Pin base pieces to create the joint for opening and shutting the apparatus. Natural friction will keep the pin in place as the diameter of the pin will be manufactured to fit snug into the orifice of the hinges.

Although the invention has been described herein with specific reference to a presently preferred and additional embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications, deletions, and alterations may be made to such preferred embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all reasonably foreseeable additions, modifications, deletions and alterations be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. 

1. An exercise device comprising a top and a bottom, wherein said top has a generally rectangular box-like shape forming a top storage portion and a top exercise portion, wherein said bottom has a matching rectangular box-like shape forming a bottom storage portion and a bottom exercise portion, wherein a plurality of a recessed attachment point are disposed on the top exercise portion and the bottom exercise portion; a plurality of exercise accessories; a plurality of resistance tubing operable for releasably connecting said exercise accessory to said recessed attachment point; means for hingably attaching said top and said bottom; means for securing said exercise accessories; means for attaching a rope handle on the distal end of said top portion; and a rope handle secured to the distal end of said top portion.
 2. A method of making an exercise device comprising: forming a rectangular-shaped top having a first top-side exercise portion, a first bottom-side storage portion, a first hingeable end and a first distal end through injection molding wherein two rope holes are disposed on said first distal end of said top for insertion of a rope handle, wherein a plurality of first recesses are formed in said first top-side exercise portion with first ring clip holes disposed within said first recesses for insertion of a ring clip, wherein said first bottom-side storage portion is operable for releaseable attachment of exercise accessories; forming a rectangular-shaped bottom having a second top-side exercise portion, a second bottom-side storage portion, a second hingeable end and a second distal end through injection molding, wherein a plurality of second recesses are formed in said second top-side exercise portion with second ring clip holes disposed within said second recesses for insertion of a ring clip, wherein said second bottom-side storage portion is operable for releaseable attachment of exercise accessories; inserting ring clips into said first ring clip holes and said second ring clip holes; affixing a first grip pad on said first top-side exercise portion; affixing a second grip pad on said second top-side exercise portion; aligning said first hingeable end with said second hingeable end; inserting a male hinge connector through said first hingeable end and said second hingeable end; attaching hook and loop fasteners to said first bottom-side storage portion and said second bottom-side storage portion; attaching a net bag to said second bottom-side storage portion; securing a plurality of exercise accessories and resistance tubing assemblies to said first bottom-side storage portion and said second bottom-side storage portion; and hingably closing the top and bottom.
 3. A method of using an exercise device comprising: Opening said exercise device; removing a plurality of resistance tubing assemblies and exercise accessories; connecting said resistance tubing assembly to said desired exercise accessories; connecting at least one resistance tubing assembly to a ring clip; standing on said exercise device; grasping said exercise accessories; increasing and decreasing resistance by increasing and decreasing the length of the resistance tubing for the desired number of repetitions; repeating the process of connecting, repetitions and disconnecting using a variety of narrow, medium and wide grips until the desired sets of muscles have been exercised; disconnecting said resistance tubing assemblies from said ring clips; disconnecting said exercise accessories from said resistance tubing assemblies; storing said resistance tubing and said exercise accessories inside said exercise device; and Closing said exercise device. 